A major component of this course is a research paper. You have been participating in the real estate seminar series and thus have been exposed to a variety of research presentations. Thus, the purpose of this assignment is for you to put into practice some of the concepts you’ve been exposed to throughout the year. You should select from one of the following topics and write a research report that synthesizes the empirical and theoretical research surrounding that topic:
1.Discuss the development of the CMBS market. What problems does securitization solve and what problems does it create?
2.Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of CMBS loans versus bank portfolio loans.
3.What was the role of the collateralized debt obligation (CDO) market in the Great Financial Crisis?
4.Should Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stop buying 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FRM)?
5.Do lenders discriminate against minorities in mortgage underwriting?
6.Has the community reinvestment act (CRA) increased mortgage lending to minorities?